Only face-to-face with a wounded Christ,

Seeing is believing, and it is through those witnesses that saw the risen Lord

that we have come to believe. Jesus acknowledges as much when he says,

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe.”

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Ephesians 2:19-22

Now you are

No longer strangers or guests, but fellow citizens of the holy people: you are of the household of God.

You are the house whose foundations are the apostles and prophets, and whose cornerstone is Christ Jesus.

In him the whole structure is joined together and rises to be a holy temple in the Lord.

In him you too are being built to become the spiritual sanctuary of God.

 

Ps 117:1bc, 2

Go out to all the world and tell the Good News,

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊     

John 20:24-29

Thomas the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he replied,

"Until I have seen in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger

in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

 

Eight days later, the disciples were inside again and Thomas was with them.

Despite the locked doors Jesus came and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands;

stretch out your hand and put it into my side. Resist no longer and be a believer."

Thomas then said, "You are my Lord and my God." Jesus replied,

"You believe because you see me, don't you? Happy are those who have not seen and believe."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

To touch his wounds.

We often wrestle with the shadows of doubt, shaped by our insecurities, pervasive fears,

and feelings of inadequacy. This struggle exposes our vulnerability,

highlighting that we lack ultimate control over our lives. In the Gospel,

Thomas embodies our shared experiences of fear and uncertainty. Yet,

Jesus approached him with understanding and compassion.

 

He acknowledged Thomas's doubts and invited him to touch his wounds.

This powerful gesture symbolizes the profound truth that an encounter

with the Risen Lord can dispel our doubts and fears. May we embody Thomas's spirit,

courageously confronting our weaknesses and opening ourselves to God's healing touch,

which brings hope and renewal.